A Case of Argyria.
- Author:
Sun Ji KIM
1
;
Hyun Jeong PARK
;
Jun Young LEE
;
Baik Kee CHO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Argyria; Food supplement; Silver solution
- MeSH: Argyria*; Basement Membrane; Biopsy; Colloids; Dietary Supplements; Eating; Eccrine Glands; Female; Hand; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Melanins; Middle Aged; Silver; Skin
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology 2007;45(12):1322-1324
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
- Abstract: Argyria is a rare skin discoloration caused by the deposition of silver granules in the skin. We report a case of argyria occurring in a 46-year-old woman due to ingestion of colloidal silver solution over 2 years. She had a diffuse, slate gray discoloration on her face and hands. The biopsy specimen from the face revealed melanin hyperpigmentation in the epidermal basal layer. Numerous, round, tiny brown-black granules were deposited in the basement membrane surrounding eccrine glands. Silver solution is being advertised as a cure for a variety of diseases and is commercially available as a 'food supplement'. This case report highlights the potential risk of adverse effects following the use of food supplements.
